Understanding Unexplained Limb Tingling and Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Tingling sensation in the limbs? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a question. I have been experiencing unexplained sharp pain on my body for a week now, which feels like being bitten by ants, occurring sporadically. In the last three days, I have also noticed a tingling sensatio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your described symptoms, there are typically two possibilities. First, a neuromuscular issue, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have diabetes, it can also cause the tingling sensation you mentioned; however, theoretically, these abnormalities should be visibl...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Limb Tingling and Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Should I Be Concerned About Potential STD Risks from Shared Computer Use?
Should I be concerned about this? Hello, doctor. Here's the situation: Before 8:00 PM, a dorm neighbor borrowed my computer (this neighbor is known to visit red-light districts). After 8:00 PM, I was the only one using the computer. At 8:08 PM, I impulsively watched adult co...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: You can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control. A. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected person carries ...[Read More] Should I Be Concerned About Potential STD Risks from Shared Computer Use?
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Limb joints Hello Doctor, I have had joint discomfort since I was young. Whenever the weather changes, I feel soreness, primarily in my upper limbs—elbows, wrists, and fingers—and in my lower limbs—hip joints (less frequently), knees, ankles, and toes. Now at 30 years old, this c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Netizens often complain about feeling sore when the weather changes, but if there is no redness, swelling, or pain, based on your description, it may not even be arthritis. Western medicine typically focuses on symptomatic treatment rather than curative approaches. I suggest cons...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
HIV infection I was at the UNIQLO in the Dajia Shopping Center today and was sneezed on by a male employee. At that moment, I didn't have my mouth open, but I have acne on my face with some open wounds. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? I understand that the HIV virus dies in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. It is not transmitted through droplets from sneezing, and the risk of infection through non-bloodied wounds is also very low. Therefore, transmission through casual contact is almost nonexistent. Most cases of HI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns
Hit by a bat? Last month, on June 18, I was riding my scooter and got hit by a bat. When I got home, I immediately checked myself in the mirror because I remembered it hitting my face, but it seemed like there were no bites or scratches, and no wounds. However, for the past week ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of being hit by a bat while riding a motorcycle, here is the response: 1. Hendra virus infection was first identified in Hendra, Australia in 1994, and Nipah virus infection was discovered in 1999 in the village of Sungai Nipah, Malaysia. ...[Read More] Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns
Can Warts on Your Boyfriend's Hand Be Transmitted Through Kissing?
Warts on your boyfriend's hand can be contagious. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with Is it possible to transmit infections through kissing a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether kissing and intimate touching can transmit infections, here is the response: 1. According to the Dermatology Expert Health Network (http://www.drskincare.com.tw/Qa/Detail.aspx?ID=52): A. What are viral warts? Viral warts are les...[Read More] Can Warts on Your Boyfriend's Hand Be Transmitted Through Kissing?
Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Regarding risk assessment and symptoms? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of May, I had some physical contact with a sex worker. During this interaction, she touched my genitals with her hand, which had a clear liquid on it. We ended with oral sex, but there was no vaginal intercou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the symptoms of oral thrush and sore throat associated with infections, the response is as follows: A: According to the Centers for Disease Control website: 1. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, ana...[Read More] Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Do I have diabetes? I have been experiencing frequent dry mouth and thirst lately, constantly drinking water and urinating, yet I still feel thirsty. I have had similar episodes before, and one morning my fasting blood sugar was as high as 124. I'm not sure if it was related...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Allen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Anxiety's Impact on Health
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor: I have anxiety issues, and according to my psychiatrist, I have what is known as panic disorder, which often causes chest pain, hyperventilation, and difficulty breathing. Yesterday, I experienced sudden, unbearable chest pain and felt like I cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your anxiety issue, based on your description, it seems to be "hyperventilation syndrome," which refers to excessive breathing that leads to the removal of carbon dioxide, causing numbness in the hands and feet. You can try breathing into a paper bag to...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Anxiety's Impact on Health
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor: Since being diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis (within one year), I have received three injections of 2.4 million units of penicillin on February 20, February 24, and March 4. However, as of today, March 12, the rash on my hand (which has resolved on...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding issues related to secondary syphilis infection, the following recommendations are provided: 1. You have received three doses of medication on February 20, February 27, and March 4, which should be sufficient; there is no need for a fourth injection. 2. You...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
HIV/AIDS risk Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing some pain in my testicles. Yesterday, I visited the urology department at the hospital, but the doctor examined me without wearing gloves and accidentally touched my glans. I would like to know if there is a risk of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the risks of HIV/AIDS: A: 1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7b56e6f932b49b90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual t...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Diabetes honeymoon phase Hello Doctor: I was previously diagnosed with prediabetes, and the doctor said that dietary control would suffice. Over the past month, I have been managing my diet and exercising, and my blood sugar levels have gradually returned to normal, which makes m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The term "diabetes honeymoon phase" refers to a period after the onset of diabetes during which blood sugar levels are well-controlled, often without the need for medication, due to dietary changes, exercise, medication, or insulin therapy. In type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know
Rabies infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if my hand came into contact with the saliva of a stray dog and I only washed my hands normally afterward, touching water 2-3 times during that period, and then handled fruit for my child to eat (with my hands touching t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the question of whether contact with the saliva of a stray dog could lead to rabies infection after only washing hands normally, touching water 2-3 times, and then cutting fruit for a child (with the hands touching the fruit), especially since the child h...[Read More] Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know
Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Occasional diarrhea with stool that is yellowish-black? Hello doctor, for the past few months, my bowel movements have been alternating between ribbon-like, scattered, and loose forms. For instance, I might have ribbon-like stools for two days, followed by scattered or loose stoo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, the actual food we consume can affect the color of our stool, making it difficult to determine the presence of disease based solely on color. However, concerning problematic stools, we typically refer to "melena," which is characterized by a black, tarry ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have experienced itching and swelling in my palms five times within the past six months, and I am very concerned? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the swelling of my palms or fingers that has occurred five times in the past six months. Is there something wrong with my b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may be experiencing urticaria or angioedema, but a definitive diagnosis requires a physical examination and a detailed medical history. I recommend taking photos of the swelling and then consulting with ...[Read More] Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism significantly worsened after acute tonsillitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you. Last week, I visited a large hospital due to acute tonsillitis. While examining my neck, I noticed some swelling, so I asked the doctor to order a blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I am an allergist and immunologist, so my experience with thyroid dysfunction (endocrinology) is limited. I recommend that you consult with an endocrinologist regarding your concerns. As for traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to see ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism